HOUSTON—At one point in his 10-year career, Bradie James was one of the most reliable linebackers in the NFL. He played for the Dallas Cowboys, and he became a team leader on defense who played many roles for his head coach, Wade Phillips.

Now James is going to have to take on news responsibility in his first season with the Texans. Because inside linebacker Brian Cushing is probably out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee, James must take on more of a leadership role, and he’s going to have to make more tackles.

James has started every game next to Cushing, who’ll be replaced by Tim Dobbins. James makes the calls for the defense because Phillips, his coordinator, trusts him not to make mistakes. James knows Phillips’ defense better than any Texan because he played it for four seasons in Dallas.

Cushing is known as the Texans’ most physical player, the defender who sets the tempo with his intensity and passion. James, who is no longer a force but remains reliable as a tackler, will have to become a calming influence and will have to make more plays simply because more will be there with Cushing gone. He stepped up in the 23-17 victory over the Jets. He led the team with eight tackles and contributed half a sack when the game was on the line in the fourth quarter. Now, James and Dobbins must show they’re not going to be pushovers without Cushing.